Letter: What does Springfield stand for?

Saturday

Nov 11, 2017 at 8:00 PM

In the Nov. 6 edition of the SJ-R there was a full-page ad paid for by the City of Springfield’s Office of Community Relations to highlight the anti-discrimination resolution the city council passed earlier this year. The ad also attempts to defend the city council’s recent action of tabling a Welcoming City resolution.

We fully support the anti-discrimination resolution. We believe hate and bigotry have no place in our community. That resolution addressed the hatred of white supremacists in Charlottesville, Virginia, and across the country.

The anti-hate resolution declares what Springfield is against. But what does Springfield stand for? The Welcoming City resolution proclaims we value all of our neighbors and their contributions to our community. In greeting your neighbor, "You are welcome here" is far preferable to "We don't hate you."

For some at city council, welcoming all to Springfield is apparently controversial. We ask to those who have any doubts about how our local immigrants and refugees feel at this historic time, talk to your neighbors, get to know them; you will soon realize that a simple welcoming makes a difference in their lives.

The Welcoming City resolution was drafted locally by a group of community members from diverse backgrounds, secular and religious, with sensitivity to the needs of our city. The Welcoming City resolution is not a Sanctuary City resolution. No federal or state funding would be jeopardized by passing a resolution that embraces our diversity and reaffirms our commitment to welcome all who call Springfield home.

Meg Evans

Welcoming City Committee Action Illinois

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